Udeh Ijachi, a former interim chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area in Benue State, was slain by suspected gunmen on Thursday night.
Otukpo villagers are shocked after Ijachi, also known as “Honourable Ukpem,” was reportedly shot and killed by unknown assailants in an unexpected attack.
The former council boss was allegedly ambushed in front of the Okabido Hotel, according to witnesses. He was shot by the attackers before they fled, according to witness testimony.
Moments after the gunshots, locals and onlookers hurried outside to investigate what had happened, causing panic in the neighborhood. The gunfire left the neighborhood in disarray, according to those who called the act “shocking.”
Security officials have not yet issued an official statement about the killing as of the time of this story. Investigations, however, are anticipated to start in order to ascertain the attack’s circumstances and identify the perpetrators.
Ijachi was well-known in the state’s political and social circles and had previously served as Otukpo Local Government Area’s acting chairman.
It’s still unclear why the strike occurred.
In the meantime, locals have asked security services to look into the situation in detail and bolster local security to avoid future incidents.
